Welcome to the Pelly Land Rover Defender blog. This has been started with the aim of sharing our Defender story with others who may have the same interest as well as a wish to exchange experiences.
Land Rover Defenders are incredible machines and easily admired. For many years I have dreamed of owning one, sharing a common desire with my Dad. With the production of Defenders coming to an end this year (2015), thoughts of ownership were front of mind.
Land Rover Defenders are incredible machines and easily admired. For many years I have dreamed of owning one, sharing a common desire with my Dad. With the production of Defenders coming to an end this year (2015), thoughts of ownership were front of mind.
On a camping trip to the Langdales in August with my friends and the kids, we happened to pitch next to "John the dentist" and female companion - apologies can't remember her name. With a spectacular Defender 90 ergonomically kitted out for their outdoor adventures, the desire was further stoked.
Coincidentally on that trip, after having had lunch at the cafe in Chapel Stile, a Defender magazine detailing the entire history, models, makes, etc... was eyed in the magazine rack. This was put back only for my good friend Jeremy to purchase it surreptitiously when passing the store later that day. Great campsite reading was had and the decision was made. The hunt for our Defender was on....
Upon return from the Lakes, there was much searching of the internet. The vintage was a simple decision - it had to be the robust, electronics free lump that is the legendary 300Tdi - 1994 to 1998. The real wrestle was determining the wheel base and style of Defender.
Initially was keen on a Defender 90, preferably utility style in that classic Land Rover blue. This would be my perfect hiking and climbing get away toy. Selfish thoughts then moved towards family holidays. With a Defender 110 there would be room to chuck bundles of more gear in the back for surfing, cycling and camping trips - not least space for the family to sit down. However, it did take some time to come round to it. Some first hand experience from folk we met camping down in Warcombe sealed it and from then on I was in a happy place. It had to be a Defender 110 County Station Wagon.
Evenings spent repeatedly visiting various websites and forums. It took a while to get a feel for how best to filter out what was of interest. Some key decisions such as no checker plate, crazy upgrades, farm work horses, extreme off road use, full service history, etc.. It was also amusing to see how many Defenders were advertised as unique stunning examples with one lady owner, etc...
Then a few seemed to stick. So it was time to make contact and go out there and have a look at them in the real world. Countless motorway miles trekking to and from Hertfordshire, Kent, Yorkshire, Midlands, etc... Quickly came to the conclusion that a shinning looking Defender on ebay bore no indication to the horrors of a rusting bulk head/chassis or that of a dodgy rear cross member. One lesson to pass on would be to not fall in love with the first one you see - it's easy done.
The process of looking at different examples around the country as well as picking up the wisdom from kind folk on various forums was a fun experience. Unashamed plug for forums.lr4x4.com The major downside at this point was the amount of time spent behind the wheel driving along with the associated fuel bill.
More weeks passed and then I came across what looked like a promising Defender over in Watford. It again looked shiny on the outside. On the visit, the body work did not disappoint. A good sign was that the owner drove it out from a garage in which it was always parked away from the elements. Minimal scratches and only slight rusting to the usual spots around the door edges.
The chassis was extremely clean and well looked after. The engine also looked in order and hardly used at a mere 70K miles on the clock for an 18 year vehicle.
Evenings spent repeatedly visiting various websites and forums. It took a while to get a feel for how best to filter out what was of interest. Some key decisions such as no checker plate, crazy upgrades, farm work horses, extreme off road use, full service history, etc.. It was also amusing to see how many Defenders were advertised as unique stunning examples with one lady owner, etc...
Then a few seemed to stick. So it was time to make contact and go out there and have a look at them in the real world. Countless motorway miles trekking to and from Hertfordshire, Kent, Yorkshire, Midlands, etc... Quickly came to the conclusion that a shinning looking Defender on ebay bore no indication to the horrors of a rusting bulk head/chassis or that of a dodgy rear cross member. One lesson to pass on would be to not fall in love with the first one you see - it's easy done.
The process of looking at different examples around the country as well as picking up the wisdom from kind folk on various forums was a fun experience. Unashamed plug for forums.lr4x4.com The major downside at this point was the amount of time spent behind the wheel driving along with the associated fuel bill.
More weeks passed and then I came across what looked like a promising Defender over in Watford. It again looked shiny on the outside. On the visit, the body work did not disappoint. A good sign was that the owner drove it out from a garage in which it was always parked away from the elements. Minimal scratches and only slight rusting to the usual spots around the door edges.
The rear also sporting the original spare wheel cover.
Prepared for the worst with the compulsory underneath chassis examination, instantly excitement brewed. This was different.
Prepared for the worst with the compulsory underneath chassis examination, instantly excitement brewed. This was different.
The chassis was extremely clean and well looked after. The engine also looked in order and hardly used at a mere 70K miles on the clock for an 18 year vehicle.
The dealer let me spend plenty of time looking over it and then we went for a subsequent test drive. It drove really well. To begin with though, plainly forgot that Defender 110s have a really wide turning circle with the accompanied seven point turns. It also looked like this vehicle has had some interesting history. It is a Land Rover Special having being built for the government and supplied to Customs and Excise.
Noticed a bundle of radio and power connectors in the rear load space. Subsequently have sent email to the Land Rover Heritage center to see if they can shed some light. Looking forward to hearing back from them.
On the drive home, all sorts of thoughts were running through my head. The roof lining needs some work, there is rust on the rear inside back panel by the back door, various chopped cables clipped internally, broken aerial, various roof aerials, radio not working, some side lights non functional, etc.. However, overall the body work is in really good condition and the chassis/rear cross member looking in tip top form. It was certainly not the cheapest and would take some considerable skill to get this through "home financial control".
Through the following week, I drove to see two more Defenders in West Yorkshire, one near Coventry and a further one in Kent. Again, the images on the web looked fantastic but up close and underneath, poor form. Growing concerned about the vehicle in Watford making its way into someone else's hands along with the realisation that it was unlikely that I'd find another chassis/body work in such good condition, I decided to go for it. Called the dealer to make a reduced offer - Katie would not let it be bought without some sort of haggling. The dealer surprising agreed to a near offer and the was deposit paid.
Next day saw the money transfer, MOT and insurance obtained. The later being a surprising sting in that a Defender 110 CSW with its 12 seats and off road 4x4 classification sees it come under commercial insurance with really only two companies prepared to insure - NFU and Adrian Flux. With me not having any no claims bonus since this is my first owned car even after having been driving for 25 years, the cost was a bit steep. Went for NFU in the end as it was the cheapest with good cover.
The following day, up early and off to Watford on the train to pick up the Defender. Turns out Katie had a works conference in London so we shared the early commute via Paddington. A brisk walk from the station to the dealer in glorious sunshine and a big smile on my face when I caught sight of the Defender in the court yard. Couple of signatures on the V5C form and possession was passed over. Remembered to ask for the tool kit/jack which was not present upon original inspection and the deal was complete.
Initial odometer reading at the fuel station.
Looking good on the forecourt.
And stunning on the driveway at home - it's the classic grill that does it for me.
Clearly will be keeping this dry and secure in the garage. It just fits in with 2 inches to spare under the garage lintel and taking up almost the full depth.
Spent much of Saturday morning pouring over the owners manuals, original purchase letter and curiously some winch instructions.
The tool kit clearly never having been used before.
Spent most of the afternoon looking over the vehicle noting down all sorts of interesting quirks, oddities and little jobs/fixes which need to be addressed. More on that later. Evening we decided to go out for a family run to a country pub. A "selfie" taken at traffic lights - not whilst moving!
Driving back along country lanes in the dark with full beam, we felt invincible. The heater also brought the temperature up surprisingly quickly - it's looking good for any colder winters ahead.
It feels to me like the Defender needs a name and we're working on that.
Noticed a bundle of radio and power connectors in the rear load space. Subsequently have sent email to the Land Rover Heritage center to see if they can shed some light. Looking forward to hearing back from them.
On the drive home, all sorts of thoughts were running through my head. The roof lining needs some work, there is rust on the rear inside back panel by the back door, various chopped cables clipped internally, broken aerial, various roof aerials, radio not working, some side lights non functional, etc.. However, overall the body work is in really good condition and the chassis/rear cross member looking in tip top form. It was certainly not the cheapest and would take some considerable skill to get this through "home financial control".
Through the following week, I drove to see two more Defenders in West Yorkshire, one near Coventry and a further one in Kent. Again, the images on the web looked fantastic but up close and underneath, poor form. Growing concerned about the vehicle in Watford making its way into someone else's hands along with the realisation that it was unlikely that I'd find another chassis/body work in such good condition, I decided to go for it. Called the dealer to make a reduced offer - Katie would not let it be bought without some sort of haggling. The dealer surprising agreed to a near offer and the was deposit paid.
Next day saw the money transfer, MOT and insurance obtained. The later being a surprising sting in that a Defender 110 CSW with its 12 seats and off road 4x4 classification sees it come under commercial insurance with really only two companies prepared to insure - NFU and Adrian Flux. With me not having any no claims bonus since this is my first owned car even after having been driving for 25 years, the cost was a bit steep. Went for NFU in the end as it was the cheapest with good cover.
The following day, up early and off to Watford on the train to pick up the Defender. Turns out Katie had a works conference in London so we shared the early commute via Paddington. A brisk walk from the station to the dealer in glorious sunshine and a big smile on my face when I caught sight of the Defender in the court yard. Couple of signatures on the V5C form and possession was passed over. Remembered to ask for the tool kit/jack which was not present upon original inspection and the deal was complete.
Initial odometer reading at the fuel station.
Looking good on the forecourt.
And stunning on the driveway at home - it's the classic grill that does it for me.
Clearly will be keeping this dry and secure in the garage. It just fits in with 2 inches to spare under the garage lintel and taking up almost the full depth.
Spent much of Saturday morning pouring over the owners manuals, original purchase letter and curiously some winch instructions.
The tool kit clearly never having been used before.
Spent most of the afternoon looking over the vehicle noting down all sorts of interesting quirks, oddities and little jobs/fixes which need to be addressed. More on that later. Evening we decided to go out for a family run to a country pub. A "selfie" taken at traffic lights - not whilst moving!
Driving back along country lanes in the dark with full beam, we felt invincible. The heater also brought the temperature up surprisingly quickly - it's looking good for any colder winters ahead.
It feels to me like the Defender needs a name and we're working on that.
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